Indigo stripes on red run vertically and horizontally across the textile near edges and across center area; thin lines, woven with white thread, create square grid patterning

Pelete Bite Wrapper, 1980-1989

Kalabariexpand_more

Gift of Joanne B. Eicher in memory of Tonye V. Erekosima, Buguma, Nigeriaexpand_more  2010.102

Not on Viewexpand_more

Kalabari men and women of Nigeria occasionally wear a unique cloth called pelete bite, which is created by altering fabrics imported from India. Starting with existing striped or checked patterns, new designs are made by cutting parts of the white threads with a razor and removing them. A few cut threads are still visible on this example. The technique also produces little holes, adding to the visual effect. The newly created motifs have descriptive names; here, for example, abili (checker board) and etere (mat).

The women who create pelete bite are important figures in Kalabari society: artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Their art transforms imported cloth into a cultural symbol.

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Details
Title
Pelete Bite Wrapper
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2010.102
Curator Approved

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Indigo stripes on red run vertically and horizontally across the textile near edges and across center area; thin lines, woven with white thread, create square grid patterning

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